THE Commonwealth Games begin next week, Scotland’s hopefuls are already being kicked in the teeth in the Europa League and the lower leagues here in Scotland are not far from kicking off.

There is more than enough to be keeping us occupied here at Central Quay but, in what is effectively a twisted act of self-flagellation, we have decided trawl through the leagues and resurrect Transfer Talk. Bringing it back from the dead like some groaning and shambling lost soul from the Walking Dead.

It has been a pretty busy summer so far, in excess of 30 players have signed on at the top flight clubs, but, in keeping with the current financial climate and true spirit of the Scottish game - not a single penny has been spent on transfer fees.

All the deals so far have been free and easy. There is a rumour that Celtic could be about to invest in a new frontman although, with the Scottish champions making one signing so far, you’ll excuse the air of skepticism.

So here it is: Transfer Talk - bigger, badder and more ridiculous than ever.

SCOTLAND

CELTIC: Ronny Deila is considering a bit for Gambian striker Modou Barrow. The 21-year-old is currently with Ostersunds FK in Sweden and would cost in the region of £1.5million with a number of English clubs also keeping tabs on him.

HAMILTON ACADEMICAL: Alex Neil still hopes to bring in one or two new faces and has ex-Celtic youth and Cliftonville defender Paddy McNally. But he won’t be following up his interest in ex-Hibee Danny Galbraith.

INVERNESS CALEDONIAN THISTLE : Here’s a blast from the past - Alan Gow! The ex-Rangers man has been in England since leaving Ibrox - with a spell in India - and is now training with his old boss John Hughes at Caley - who have still to make a signing this season!

ROSS COUNTY: Have meanwhile made seven summer signings, with Derek Adams drafting in three new players today. Dutch defender Jordi Balk, Belgian Timothy Dreesen and ex-Leicester City youth Ben Frempah have signed on in Dingwall.

RANGERS: Have knocked back two bids from Baniyas in Abu Dhabi for Bilel Mohsni, but may not be too difficult to deal with if they come back with a third...

DUNDEE: Keeper Grant Adam could win a new extended contract at Dens having initially been signed as cover for injured duo Kyle Letheren and Scott Bain.

DUNDEE UNITED: The Tigers are on the prowl and in hot-pursuit of United and Scotland full-back Andy Robertson.

HIBERNIAN: Alan Stubbs has revealed former Cardiff right-back Luke Coulson, who has been on trial, will not be offered a deal at Easter Road.

ARBROATH: The Red Lichties have drafted in striker Kevin Buchan from Peterhead.

DUMBARTON: Ian Murray wants a striker and currently has former St Mirren, East Fife and Morton kid Jack Smith on trial.

NEWCASTLE UNITED: Debuchy’s move was only confirmed when Newcastle officially announced the signing of Holland defender Daryl Janmaat from Feyenoord yesterday.

QPR: Rangers' boss ‘Arry Redknapp has signed ex-Man United and England man Rio Ferdinand and aims to partner him in defence with Steven Caulker - with a fee agreed for the Cardiff defender.

LIVERPOOL: Have made an addition to their hospitality and public relations team with former striker Robbie Fowler returning to the club as an ambassador.

CHELSEA: Striker Demba Ba has completed his move to Turkish club Besiktas for a reported fee of £4.7m.

MANCHESTER CITY: Yaya Toure must be feeling loved again, just months after taking the huff over the club’s supposed birthday snub. Now - after being linked with a move abroad - he says: “I will always honour my contract.” So stick a cheeky fiver on him being gone by the end of next week.

MILLWALL: Have signed ex-Hearts star Ricardo Fuller.

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY: The Owls have given former Celtic defender Glenn Loovens a new deal.

EUROPE AND BEYOND!

USA: Ex-Hibs midfielder Jorge Claros has signed for MLS side Sporting Kansas City.

ITALY: Juventus and Chile star Arturo Vidal says he will only decide his future once he returns to Italy from his holidays. The all-action midfielder has been linked with a move to Manchester United or Real Madrid.

BULGARIA: What are we doing in Bulgaria? Well, have you not seen those programmes about Sunny Beach on Sky 1? Actually ex-Hearts and Livingston striker Jordan Morton has moved there to top flight side Lokomotiv Plovdiv. The 22-year-old will link up with another former Hearts youngster – Branimir Kostadinov – at the Lokomotiv Stadium.